Sheffield Council urged to take enforcement action over former club after blaze
“The site is clearly in a dilapidated state”
A Sheffield councillor has written to residents in a city neighbourhood he represents following a blaze at a former club.
The blaze broke out at the former Embassy club on Mansfield Road on Monday, October 12, with six fire engines and an aerial appliance deployed as the flames took hold.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
Jack Byrom, the Reform councillor for Richmond, claims he is “disappointed” after an inspection of the derelict property found the “structure to be presently stable”.
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He took to Facebook to share a letter he sent out to nearby residents, “to ensure everyone is fully informed of the latest developments”.
The letter stated that in August 2026, he formally requested that Sheffield City Council take action over the site through the use of a Section 215 notice, which would require the owners to address the condition of the property and improve the management of the site.
He claimed the council declined to take action at the time, but following the fire, he requested an “urgent reassessment” of the site.
The council’s Building Control Dangerous Structures Team inspected the building and advised that whilst it suffered “some fire damage”, the remaining structure is “presently stable” and doesn’t meet the threshold for dangerous structures enforcement.
Whilst he welcomes the “swift response from officers”, Coun Byrom said he is “disappointed” by the outcome.
In Coun Byrom’s letter, he lists his specific requests to the council, which includes:
- Calling for a formal assessment to be undertaken if it has not already been carried out.
- Clarification on whether the dangerous structures assessment considered the risk of future deterioration, severe weather, loose debris, falling masonry and further fires.
- Clarification on the risks that any future incident could pose to nearby residential properties.
- Details of any consultation with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service regarding the ongoing risks associated with the building.
- Confirmation of whether powers available under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 have been considered.
He wrote: “The site is clearly in a dilapidated state, sits in dangerously close proximity to neighbouring homes, and represents an ongoing disamenity to the area.
“As set out in my letter to residents below, I have formally written back to senior officers requesting that all alternative enforcement options be fully explored.
“I will continue to fight for robust enforcement on this site.”
Sheffield City Council was approached for comment, but said it can’t respond to councillor comments in a council statement.